Help for military home buyers

Any realtor holding a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is qualified to offer expertise and a wealth of knowledge to home buyers who are active-duty service members or veterans.

Because they took the required courses to become an MRP, these realtors are well-versed in the issues and specifics of military families looking to buy a home. There are over one million active duty personnel in the U. S. military, and studies show that 70% of them choose private sector housing for themselves and their families.

According to the NAR, “Real estate transactions for relocating military personnel are unique in many aspects. The time frame can be significantly compressed, with military service members given only days to see homes, make an offer and get under contract. Military service members may also be deployed during the real estate transaction, which may require a power of attorney and other special considerations.”

Realtors who complete assigned reading, attend a Military Relocation Professional Certification Core Course, pass a final exam and complete two 1-hour webinars earn the MRP designation. The information passed on to realtors taking the Military Relocation Professional Certification Core Course includes:

• How to best counsel U.S. service members and their families to find housing solutions that best suit their needs in a military relocation

• How eligible active-duty service members and veterans can leverage VA financing benefits in the purchase of their home

• Access to an exclusive online network to locate other Military Relocation Professionals for referrals and information sharing

If you are a member of the military and on the house hunt, take the time to ask your realtor, “Do you hold an Military Relocation Professional certification?”